Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Last week, the launch of a pilot scheme aimed at encouraging illegal immigrants to leave the UK on their own volition, kicked off. Campaigns included mobile billboards, leaflets and local newspaper ads within six Greater London boroughs. “We are making it more difficult for people to live and work in the UK illegally. Every single day our enforcement officers are arresting, detaining and removing people with no right to be in the UK. But there is an alternative to being led away in handcuffs. Help and advice can be provided to those who co-operate and return home voluntarily" Immigration Minister Mark Harper explained. He further said "The Immigration Bill being introduced later this year will build on this work by restricting illegal migrants’ access to benefits and services.” Illegal immigrants are urged to text a number to get advice on returning home voluntarily to avoid arrest. The message in full reads: “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest.” A hotline number is also shown where illegal immigrants may receive help and advice with travel documents. Leaflets and posters are being distributed in the billboard vans in the targeted boroughs.

The new measures have triggered a series of debates with many seeing it as “intimidation” from the government. Ex-Minister Sarah Teather attacked the Home Office, decrying the measures as “nothing less than straightforward intimidation.” she further said “I fear that the only impact of this deeply divisive form of politics will be to create tension and mistrust to anyone who looks and sounds foreign,” she told The Guardian. The billboard vans are cruising some of London’s more diverse boroughs, chosen because they have a below average number of voluntary returns according to the Home Office. Describing the scheme as “not helpful”, Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council stressed that there would be backlash that could result in illegal immigrants resorting to criminality. The labour Councillor went on to draw a comparison with the 1950s wave of immigration, during which notices declaring, “No Blacks, No Irish and No dogs” were commonplace.

But the Press Release shunned out by The Home Office states: "Voluntary returns are the most cost-effective way of removing illegal immigrants and save the taxpayer money. This pilot builds on the government’s current work on voluntary returns, which saw more than 28,000 voluntary departures last year. The areas were chosen because they have either significantly higher or below average numbers of voluntary returns, meaning that the success of the pilot can be assessed. Material has also been distributed in areas where illegal migrants are known to frequent, including newsagents, money transfer shops and internet cafes. The pilot follows the launch of three consultations earlier this month which are looking to regulate illegal migrant access to public services and the right to live and work in the UK. Forming part of the new Immigration Bill, these proposals include regulating temporary migrants’ access to the NHS, requiring landlords to check the immigration status of tenants and tougher civil penalties for rogue employers that continue to exploit illegal immigrants."

THE 5 MINUTE INTERVIEWYou must have seen her grace the screen elegantly over the years. The very talented screen diva lit up homes in Nigeria back in the days of the TV series, I NEED TO KNOW, one of her early appearances, where she played the role of the mother of very young Funke Akindele. We all fell in love with her person, her effortless delivery and excellent command of English, coupled with her brilliant role interpretation. She is CAROL KING, she recently clocked 50 and she has a lot to be thankful for.... How is life @ 50? Do you feel any different? Life at 50 is great! I am very thankful to God that I have joined the Golden club.

I will be lying if I say I don't feel any different. There are things like 'hot flushes', muscles not so supple anymore to cope with etc ...lol. However, I am more insightful, more understanding and funny enough, feeling more adventurous.

In the last 50 years, what are u most grateful for?Hmmm...I have to say what am most grateful for is being alive and saved by God's Grace. Few weeks before I turned 50, for some reason, I thought a lot about how far I've come, friends gained and lost, instances when I could have died e.g. when I had my second son by ceasarian and lost so much blood, got infused with blood and caught hepatitis and had to spend almost 3 weeks in the hospital not knowing if I was going to live, that my son is 21yrs old now. God has been Faithful to me in so so many ways.How did your acting career start? My acting career started some 13yrs ago. I have always had a passion for the arts and acted in almost all plays in my secondary school. However, acting professionally started for me when I escorted a friend of mine to an audition for a radio drama and I was persuaded by her to audition and what do you know, I got a part. As they say, the rest is history.Who is Carol King?Carol King is a minister of God, wife, mother, actress and philanthropist.What draws people to you and what draws you to people?Ahhh! I really can't say what draws people to me o because am a very very private person who loves my space too much and sometimes this has been mistaken for pride. I guess my friends and colleagues will be in a better position to say what drew them to me. What draws me to people is plenty o...I like people who are down to earth with no hang-ups, I like people who love God, I like compassionate people who dont judge others, I like people who love to live life to the fullest...not hedonistic sha o. Generally, am a people lover and watcher.What is your recipe for agelessness?Lol...my recipe for agelessness is quite simple. 'Love God, enjoy life and don't dwell too much on past hurts and mistakes. Can we meet your family?My husband and I have three children. Our two boys are 29 and 21 and there is my girl (baby of the family) who is 12.How do they cope with your career?I am blessed because I have a man who is very supportive and allows me to fly free and an extended family who have made practicing my art easy because in my field, sometimes, my job takes me away from home. Although my boys are all grown up but my family helps with my daughter when I have to be on location.What is your most challenging role (acting)? My most challenging role so far has been playing a blind pianist because I had to learn how to play some notes on the piano for close-up shots and also acting a blind person and making it believable.Who is your role model and why? My role model is my mum. She is a very strong woman who single handedly brought up all seven of us without ever complaining. When my dad died, I was the only one who had finished uni, even when my dad was alive, our house was always filled with people...cousins, friends etc and she was always so cool about it but now when I look back and being a mother myself, I can only give kudos to her. I learnt selflessness from her.What is your day like?My day starts at 5:30-6:00 AM, morning devotion and then everything else. What is your favourite thing?My favorite thing ever is curling up with a good book with some snacks when I have the house to myself.What is the most romantic thing you have ever done?There are so many because am an incurable romantic. The last one sha was booking a couples massage for me and my hubby after treating him to lunch at his favourite restaurant.Where is your favourite holiday destination and why? My favourite holiday destination will be Israel and that is because I really want to experience those places that Jesus walked that I read about in the Bible. I hope to do that soonest.What is your most expensive possession?I am a woman of simple taste but I did splurge on my car though...lol!

Friday, 26 July 2013

The date has now been set for the wedding of Nollywood actor and film maker turned politician, Honourable Rotimi Makinde to his beau, 23 year old ex beauty queen, Oyebanke Oyelami, The couple had their family introduction in February. They have both been waiting for the time when Banke finishes off her course at the Obafemi Awolowo University. And now that she has a degree in Political Science, their joy has known no bounds. The Engagement Ceremony would kick off on the 23rd of August in Ekiti State, while the wedding reception is next day, 24th August at Adam Golf Course Ile Ife where Sir Shina Peters will be on the band stand at the wedding reception. Obesere is billed to play at the night party .

Thursday, 25 July 2013

The Metropolitan Police and Immigration bombarded Parry Place, Woolwich this evening. Acting on a tip off of notoriety/drugs use and harassment going on around the area for a while, the Police had to spring into action. Many suspects have been caught, handcuffed and driven away.

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Chelsea player, gangling Mikel Obi is currently fishing for raw talents in Africa for his record label, MMM (Matured Money Minds). He is particular about musical talents who are having difficulties getting signed on. This comes as a relief for young talents whose dreams have been thrown in the bin by record label's refusal to sign them on. The record label is managed by Mikel's brother Edgar, who is a rapper/musician himself. On the label are also other signees: Charrass, Kido, NO2, Mr J and the only lady, Splash. They recently churned out their debut, MMM GANG ANTHEM. The video has been enjoying online circulation since its release.

The alleged voting for child marriage in Nigeria has been clarified, some senators have declared that the public misconstrued their position on the issue. Senators Akin Odunsi, ACN Ogun West, and Atiku Abubakar Bagudu ,PDP Kebbi Central, briefed journalists that the Senate position on the issue was completely different from both the public and media views. Senator Odunsi, explained that the alleged under age marriage provision was an existing law in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as contained in section 29 clauses 4(b) which states that" any woman that is married in Nigeria is of full age" He explained further that the Senate wanted to amend the archaic clause and not create the law as wrongly portrayed by Nigerians. He said the move was not successful due to shortage of 13 votes because 60 senators voted for its removal as against 73 required votes while 35 voted for its retention. Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on his part explained that it was unfortunate that the Senate has been drawn into what he described as unnecessary debate. He emphasized that the alleged endorsement of the Senate for under age marriage in Nigeria was a terrible misrepresentation of what the Senate considered or voted for under section 29 clauses 4(a) and (b) of the Nigeria constitution and as presented for consideration by its committee on Constitution review. He further stated that the issue of renunciation of citizenship was what the Senate considered and voted on as far as section 29 clauses 4a and b were concerned and not anything about marriage. He stated: "Clause 4a of section 29 of the 1999 constitution defines a full age for any Nigerian who wants to renounce his or her citizenship to be 18 years and above while clause 4b states further that in the case of women, aside the 18 years prescribed in clause 4a, any woman that is married can be considered to be of full age".

Monday, 22 July 2013

The Duchess of Cambridge has delivered a baby boy this afternoon Monday, 22nd July, at exactly 4:24 pm. He weighs 8 pounds 6 ounces. The news of the royal birth was not made public immediately until 8:30 this evening. The birth of the royal baby has since been awaited by the British public as they have been thrown into a frenzy of some sort since the admission of Kate: the Duchess of Cambridge to the Lindo wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington in the early morning of today, 22nd of July 2013, she travelled by car from Kensington Palace accompanied by her husband William:the Duke of Cambridge. Several police have been guarding the doors of the hospital with a heavy presence of the world's media and paparazzi who have been camping outside for weeks. The ancient protocol requiring the Secretary of State to witness the birth of an heir to the throne was dispensed with, as DNA technology now exists to solve babies switching. Supermarkets have stocked their shops to the brim with celebratory bottles of champagne - in pink and blue to celebrate the royal arrival, the third in line to the throne and the 3rd great grandchild of the Queen. New dad Prince William is not expecting any special treatment because of his blue blood, he has been treated like any other person on paternity leave and has already been on leave for several days. He is due to take just two weeks' statutory paternity leave - for which he will be paid £136.78 a week - before returning to his normal shift pattern as a search and rescue helicopter pilot in Anglesey, Wales. Though the baby's weight has been provided but it is unlikely that the baby's name will be released for several days.

Heavily pregnant Kate

UPDATE:The Royal baby has now been named. He was named George Alexander Louis, to be addressed as HRH Prince George of Cambridge. His names were made public on Wednesday, the 24th of July 2013.

Sunday, 21 July 2013

United Kingdom Prime Minister,David Cameron has warned internet firms against what comes up on their search engines, especially child pornography. They have been warned to block access to child abuse images or face the consequences of new legal controls. They are mandated to stop results from "depraved and disgusting" search terms. Google has recently agreed on measures to stop the hunt for abusive images, in line with the Internet Watch Foundation. Others are Yahoo!, Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook.
The government is presently negotiating with technology firms over the best measure to crack down on child abuse. They have been asked to introduce "splash screens" that alert people trying to view illegal images with warnings such as losing their jobs, family and access to their children as a result of the viewing content. Mr Cameron's initiative came after he had a meeting with the parents of Tia Sharp and April Jones. Mark Bridger, the killer of April Jones and Stuart Hazell who murdered Tia Sharp were found to have accessed child and violent pornography. The Prime Minister reckoned that it is hightime internet searches for porn are regulated. He says "Just because it is internet doesn't mean there shouldn't be laws and rules and also responsible behaviour" Cameron rejects attempts by certain internet firms who claim that the task is beyond their capabilities and he has set an October deadline, saying the government will tackle the problem and achieve solutions by all means. He urges the firms to hold "hackathons", an event where software experts collaborate to achieve solutions.

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

The United Kingdom government is now bent on enforcing a £1000 fine on landlords whose tenants are not legally allowed in the UK. The penalty was announced during consultation around the controversial immigration bill that declares a sum of £3,000 payable by citizens of certain countries before entry into the UK. The bill was first made in the Queen's speech last month causing anger among home owners, landlords and housing associations, but changes were recently made, and now suggests the law be applied to problem areas in the UK. All landlords are expected to be on the UK's landlords register for monitoring. This means landlords will now check the immigration status of people who approach them for housing needs. This is one of the many measures adopted lately by the United Kingdom government to curb the entry of illegal immigrants into the country.
Many illegal immigrants have been arrested and deported in recent times, especially within London. Many were caught at their places of work, on buses and trains where random checks are on-going. Immigration officers now check regularly on Non-British restaurants, salons and shops to see if they are hiring people living illegally.

Nollywood super star Funke Akindele says 'no comment for now' when asked to react to her husband's posts on facebook where he wrote that their lavish wedding of one year had broken down. He initialy wrote that they had both agreed to go their different ways on the grounds of irreconciliable differences but would still remain best friends; he later wrote that he didn't need his wife in his life and that she was the greatest mistake he ever made in recent times. This raised a lot of eyebrows on the social network. In the last one year of their controversial marriage; there have been reports that Funke's husband, Kehinde Oloyede had been a woman beater, impregnated another woman, had always been a polygamous man, and never been there even when Funke had a miscarriage. There have been cases where his numerous wives taunted her in her matrimonial home and threatened to disgrace her in public. Kehinde Oloyede had been quoted that he never wanted a marriage, but it was Funke that dragged her into it, saying she would manage it. Funke recently tweeted that she would rather talk about her career than talk about her marriage. People reckoned that she is obviously not a happy bunny right now.

Saturday, 13 July 2013

Talented Nollywood Actor, Segun Arinze Aina's joy knew no bounds yesterday as he celebrated his five years wedding anniversary to his heartthrob, Julie. The lovebirds met at a wedding in 2007 and could not resist each other. They got married on the 12th of July, 2008. Julie who sees her husband as her best friend works as a solicitor with Schlumberger, Nigeria. In his words, Segun describes his wife: "She is simple, calm, caring and adorable. Always has a smile for everyone, brilliant and never ruffled by anything. I wonder how she does it!" He went on to say they both have a good understanding of each other, which is the bedrock of their marriage. Their union is blessed with two boys, Ayooluwa and Nifemi. We wish them a happy anniversary.

Friday, 12 July 2013

Lee Rigby, the soldier who was murdered in broad daylight near Woolwich Barracks in London on May 22 was buried this morning at a private military funeral at the Parish church in Bury. Hundreds of members of the public stood on Rochdale road in Bury and many more on Hollin Lane in Middleton to pay their last respect after the service as the cortege arrived in Rigby's hometown.The father of one, described as a popular and humorous soldier had served in Afghanistan and was a drummer for the regiment.Floral tributes with words like "brother", "son" and "husband" accompanied his coffin draped in the Union flag.

Thursday, 11 July 2013

Eighteen years
after her reign as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (1995), Toyin Enitan Raji
is still a ravishing beauty to behold. The ever gracious beauty with an
infectious smile, represented Nigeria at the Miss Ecowas, Miss Universe (where
she received the Miss Congeniality Award) and Miss World (she clinched the Miss
Personality Award) during her reign. She wore the crown for 2 years because the organisers (Silverbird) did not host another
pageant until end of 1996.

Before going into the competition in 1995, she never saw herself as a beauty queen, nor had the dream of becoming one. There was not a time she considered pageants, it just magically arrived at her feet. She rather fitted into the modelling world after she was approached by a lady who saw her potentials as a model. During her modelling years, she appeared on TV commercials and graced the runway of Nigerian designers like Jimmy King and Betty O. Her journey into the world of pageants kicked off in 1994 when she won the Miss Visine Pageant, a title previously held by ex beauty queen, Regina Askia.

After the pageant, she became the face of Diet Coke, had a stint in broadcasting with MNet and starred in some Nollywood movies. She had an appearance in one of King Sunny Ade’s musical videos “My Sunshine Lady”. The birth of her daughter became a turning point in her life, and Nigeria had become a bit claustrophobic for her. She felt she needed some air, and needed a change. She decided to move to the USA, a journey of enlightenment and self-discovery, which became the best decision she ever made, despite the challenges along the way.

She presently works in the IT field and taking a course in Broadcast Journalism. According to her “I thoroughly enjoyed my stint with MNET and would like to pursue something along those lines. IT pays handsomely, but my passion is media.” For the future, she says “There are a few projects in the works. I am trying not to jinx the idea, but I can say it is along the lines of Media. I was offered a reality show of my own, but turned it down as it isn’t my cup of tea. Nigeria is home and will always be, but I’d like to have the best of both worlds. Like I always say, the best is yet to come”.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?I attended Aunty Adunni Memorial School and Time & Tide International School, Iba. I was the Games Prefect there. I moved on to St Anne's School, Molete, Ibadan City Academy and Oriwu College,Ikorodu where I was the Senior Prefect. I then attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan where I studied Business Administration and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye where I bagged a Diploma in Law and subsequently, Performing Arts. I then travelled to South Africa where I attended Lee School of Interior Designs.
HOW DID YOU VEER INTO ACTING?To me, acting is inborn. I started acting at a tender age. I joined a drama group while in secondary school and people used to pay to watch us perform. So when I went to the University to study Performing Arts, I see it a natural call.
HOW OLD ARE YOU?Age is just a number. It's not how old you are, it is how you feel about yourself. I have friends who are older and friends who are younger than I am and age difference has never been an issue. I put age aside when it comes to friendship, so age is nothing to me.

WHAT PART OF NIGERIA ARE YOU FROM?I call myself a Nigerian half-caste. My dad hails from Oyo State, while my mum is a mixture of Kano and Kogi States, but i was born and bred in Lagos.
WHAT MOVIE WOULD YOU SAY BROUGHT YOU TO LIMELIGHT?The very first movie I produced was my first movie appearance, titled "Aparo"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE?I am a hopelessly romantic person. I am in love with the idea of love itself! And I am also in love with a great man who makes me happy endlessly.
ANY MARRIAGE PLANS?Marriage should come naturally, it shouldn't be the basis of a relationship. Happiness should come first and then marriage. Many have never experienced true love and happiness, because all they ever wanted is marriage, and they forget about life itself in the course of that.
WHAT TURNS YOU OFF AND ON?Honesty matters to me a lot. I can be your scapegoat (Dbanj's song) if only you are honest with me. So. that turns me on. On the other hand, Lies turn me off! Lie to me and see my wrath! No matter how perfect you are at telling lies, I'll see through your lies.

WHO IS YOUR IDEAL MAN?He doesn't have to be rich. I like a man who would pamper me and treat me like a baby. He must be able to stand up for me and even carry me on his back on the street (Laughs)
HOW MANY FILMS HAVE YOU PRODUCED?Three. APARO, OBINRIN ALE and AYOKULEYIN.
ASIDE ACTING, WHAT DO YOU DO?I have a chain of businesses and to the glory of God, we are expanding.
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS SEXY?I feel most sexy about myself!

WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE LIKE?I love to drink water and I take loads of it. I see it as a form of beauty therapy. I am very carefree about the soap and body cream I use. Your skin glows as a result of what you eat, not what you rub on it. However, I use Morrocan black soap and Cocoa Butter, and I don't miss my body massage every month.
YOUR FAVOURITE UNDERWEAR?My bra is my favourite and my size is very rare. I wear a size 34GG. I wear a lot of La Senza and Victoria Secret.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURSELF?I love my spirit! It is very active and vibrant. It does not limit itself and never downcast even in the face of rejection. I love my mindset and people have often told me I am the definition of Strong!
WHAT ITEM CANT YOU LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?I don't leave home without a book. I read a lot. Also my hand cream and lip gloss.